INDIA SHOWCASES DEFENCE CAPABILITIES AT LIMA 2025 IN MALAYSIA Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth led the Indian delegation at the opening ceremony of the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025) held in Langkawi, Malaysia, on May 20, 2025. The five-day event was officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato'' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim. As part of the exhibition, Shri Sanjay Seth inaugurated the India Pavilion, which highlights the growing strength of India''s indigenous defence industry. The pavilion features participation from major Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private sector firms, showcasing advanced homegrown defence technologies. Notable displays include the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Dornier aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). India’s prominent presence among global defence powers at LIMA 2025 reflects its increasing stature in the field of defence manufacturing and technological self-reliance. During the event, the Raksha Rajya Mantri visited various exhibition stalls and engaged with senior officials and dignitaries from participating countries, reinforcing India’s diplomatic and strategic outreach. The participation also marks the continuation of deepening defence ties between India and Malaysia, built upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership launched during the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit to India in 2024. Adding to the presence, an Indian Naval Ship is also set to take part in LIMA 2025. Since its inception in 1991, LIMA has grown into one of the most significant maritime and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region, drawing global attention to defence and security collaboration.

8TH MEETING OF THE INDIA - US JOINT WORKING GROUP ON AIRCRAFT CARRIER TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION HELD The 8th edition of the India–US Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC), established under the India–US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), was held in India from May 13 to 16, 2025. A six-member U.S. delegation, led by Rear Admiral Casey Moton, Programme Executive Officer (PEO) for Aircraft Carriers, visited several key defence facilities in Delhi and Goa as part of the engagement. The meeting officially commenced on May 13 in New Delhi, co-chaired by Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, Assistant Controller Carrier Projects (ACCP). In his remarks, Rear Admiral Moton underscored the significance of the working group and highlighted the progress achieved over the past decade. Both nations acknowledged the group’s efforts in facilitating meaningful exchanges on aircraft carrier technologies. The discussions included exploring avenues for future collaboration across various technical domains related to aircraft carriers, culminating in the release of a Joint Statement. In Goa, the U.S. delegation engaged in technical and operational discussions with the Indian Navy’s aviation experts, focusing on aircraft carrier operations and systems. The meeting represented another key step forward in strengthening Indo–US defence cooperation, particularly in the strategic area of aircraft carrier technology.

HEAVY RAINFALL ALERT ISSUED ACROSS ANDHRA PRADESH The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted isolated heavy rainfall over the next two days across various parts of Andhra Pradesh, including the south and north coastal regions as well as Rayalaseema. Visakhapatnam is among the areas expected to be significantly affected. The recent downpour has already caused waterlogging and traffic congestion in several locations, particularly in Vijayawada’s KR Market and Benz Circle areas. In response, authorities have placed all departments on high alert. Precautionary evacuations are being carried out in vulnerable areas to ensure public safety.

INDIA''S FIRST FULLY AUTOMATED ALUMINA HANDLING TERMINAL TO BE SET UP IN VISAKHAPATNAM India is set to establish its first fully automated alumina handling terminal in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This state-of-the-art facility is a joint initiative between Hindalco Industries (part of the Aditya Birla Group) and Vizag Multipurpose Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (VMTPL). Located at Berth EQ-7 of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, the terminal aims to transform the country’s alumina export infrastructure. Key Highlights: Advanced Capacity & Automation: The terminal will have the capability to manage up to 2.5 million tonnes of alumina per year. It will use cutting-edge automation for material handling, storage, and ship loading—significantly reducing the need for manual labor. Modern Infrastructure: The project includes a 2,200 tonnes-per-hour mechanized ship loader, a 625 tonnes-per-hour caustic soda unloading arm, and a dedicated conveyor system linking the port directly to alumina producers. Environment-Friendly Design: Emphasizing green logistics, the terminal will incorporate mechanized systems to limit manual operations and environmental impact. Strategic Impact: The terminal will position Visakhapatnam as a major node in the global alumina supply chain. Its automation is expected to streamline operations, cut turnaround times, and bolster India’s role in international alumina exports. This initiative is part of a broader effort to upgrade port infrastructure in the region and follows the recent launch of new alumina-silica and monolithic manufacturing units by Vesuvius India in 2024. Once operational, the terminal will mark a key milestone in modernizing India''s logistics and industrial sectors.